Innovation, collaboration focus for LTC after Burgdorf’s exit

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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1740024901856{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Luxury Travel Collection is entering a new era, with Nikki Glading’s role of General Manager Sales & Operations set to evolve with the departure of General Manager Brand Anna Burgdorf.

Now, following Burgdorf’s exit from Flight Centre Travel Group last week, Glading will wear both hats as LTC’s focus shifts as it enters its second year in business.

“Anna will say she’s always at her happiest when she’s building a brand, and she’s done a phenomenal job of that,” Glading told LATTE.

“It’s now time for the team that Anna built to shine.”

It’s been a busy year for LTC since it first burst onto the scene and officially launching in February 2024. From the start, the idea was to create a one-stop shop that would not only deliver top-tier products but also support agencies in connecting with their clients in personalised ways – a mission which remains unchanged, according to Glading.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”164709″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1739850677311{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1739850073740{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1605829610747{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1740024987506{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]”We want to lead with innovation and unique collaboration,” she said. “Flight Centre’s purpose is to open up the world for those who want to see, and LTC channels that to help independent agencies who want to use it.”

She sees LTC as “a new age luxury house of travel,”offering everything from mainstream product to ultra-luxury, with bespoke marketing solutions and a unique event series to provide luxury agencies with all the tools they need.

LTC launched in an enviable position thanks to a foundation membership that included around 60 Travel Associates agencies as well as seven independent agencies. Its offering was well received, with the group growing steadily over the course of the year and the launch of a new member affiliate option in November last year which allows agencies to remain with their current group while gaining access to LTC’s luxury offerings – a similar arrangement to the one it has with Travel Associates.

“This shift in approach has proved successful, especially with sister brands like Complex Travel Group and Envoyage-hosted National Tour Group, who now use LTC as a luxury extension for their agencies.

When asked about LTC’s future expansion and targets, Glading emphasised quality over quantity. “We don’t have a set number,” she insisted. “It’s about finding the right people, maintaining the integrity of our community, and growing steadily.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”169201″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1739850745545{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1740025107009{margin-top: 15px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Although setting up a new business is by nature challenging, hurdles have been few and far between over the last year, according to Glading. “It’s really been a dream job, thanks to strong relationships both within and outside of the Flight Centre family,” she said. “It’s been a delightful experience.”

She credited this smooth start to the combined expertise of her team. In addition to her own vault of experience, LTC has benefitted from the skills of Burgdorf as well as Director of Brand & Marketing Stephanie Blakely, Events Director Lisa Wright and Global Product Director Shannon Fogarty.

Among Glading’s highlights for the year are Burgdorf’s work in building the LTC brand and Wright’s ability to elevate the group’s events. Our events have been so successful in both the trade and consumer space that interest in joining the group has only increased,” she said. Details have just been revealed of the Global Business Leaders Soirée which will take place next month, involving a private jet journey to the outback heart of Queensland, with excitement building ahead of the event.

Looking forward, LTC is working on a number of exciting projects that promise to shake-up the luxury travel space. “We’re about to launch Galeries de Luxe, a product range curated by Fogarty, which will help advisors differentiate themselves in the market,” she explained. Galeries de Luxe was foreshadowed 12 months ago. Additionally, the group is developing “Designed by LTC,” a bespoke travel service that provides one-of-a-kind experiences curated specifically for luxury travellers.

As LTC continues to innovate and grow, the focus remains on delivering unparalleled experiences for its members. “We’ve had 100% retention so far, and our goal is to keep innovating, engaging our members, and ensuring we meet the evolving needs of the luxury travel community,” Glading said. “It’s a unique and special collective of people, and we’re just getting started.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1560229304502{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]

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